Drip edge system

ABSTRACT

A drip edge system according to the invention comprises a body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent a roof deck. A first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally angularly from the body portion. A second leg extends generally angularly from the body portion and is offset from the first leg, such that a fascia board may be received between the first leg and the second leg.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a roofing system, and more particularly to a drip edge system for a roof.

Buildings, and more particularly the roofs thereof, typically include a strip of material disposed along the edges of the roofing. This “drip edge,” as it is commonly known as, provides protection to the roof. More particularly, the drip edge protects the decking of the roof and any fascia disposed adjacent thereto. The drip edge can also serve the purpose of directing water and other debris away from the building.

A drip edge typically comprises a planar sheet of plastic or metal and is inserted between the roofing shingles and the decking of the roof itself, and is typically disposed along the edge of the roof deck. Prior art drip edge assembles are designed to be installed over the decking of the roof, wherein the fascia board, attached along the roof edge and along the side thereof, is already attached. However, due to organization and workflow requirements of modern day construction methods, it is more beneficial to install the drip edge before the fascia board has been installed. Current practice, however, does not allow this process flow and presently the drip edge installer works without a fascia board in place. As such, he or she must leave a gap between the edge of the decked roof and the inside edge of the drip edge to allow for the later insertion of the fascia board. In these cases, the drip edge installer may need to guess what width fascia board will be used, and further will typically have difficulty maintaining a uniform gap or width along the entire length of the drip edge. As such, inconsistent results and guesswork can lead to numerous problems with fit, function, and quality.

Accordingly, a need exists for a novel drip edge system and methods thereof that have, among other advantages, the ability to be installed prior to the fascia board being installed, while maintaining consistent results and offering more efficient and confident installation. Therefore, a drip edge system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art drip edge systems have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive drip edge system which includes, a drip edge system comprising a body portion which is adapted to be disposed adjacent a roof deck, and a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally angularly therefrom. The second leg also extends generally angularly from the body portion and is offset from the first leg, such that a fascia board may be received between the first leg and the second leg.

In another aspect of the present invention, a drip edge system for a roof comprises a body portion which is adapted to be disposed adjacent a roof deck, and a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally downwardly therefrom, while the second leg extends generally downwardly from the body portion, and is offset from the first leg by a distance sufficient to receive a fascia board therebetween.

And still in another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a drip edge system includes providing a decked roof and a drip edge system which comprises: a body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent a decked roof; a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally angularly therefrom, the second leg extends generally angularly from the body portion and is offset from the first leg by a distance sufficient to receive a fascia board therebetween. The method further includes affixing the drip edge system to the roof, wherein the second leg is disposed adjacent an edge of the decked roof, and subsequently, a fascia board is disposed between the first leg and the second leg.

In other aspects of the present invention, the drip edge system may further comprise elements such as one or more foldable legs, and/or an overhang portion that assists in directing water away from the building. The drip edge may comprise single or multiple pieces, and the drip edge may be fabricated by numerous methods including extrusion, and/or bending techniques.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.

In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. To wit, the drip edge system of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to an forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the drip edge system of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.

As such, while embodiments of the drip edge system are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, seven pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a drip edge system of the present invention, the drip edge installed on a typical roof construction;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the drip edge system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a drip edge system, the drip edge installed on a typical roof construction;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of a drip edge system, the drip edge installed on a typical roof construction;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of still another embodiment of a drip edge system, the drip edge installed on a typical roof construction;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of a drip edge system, the drip edge installed on a typical roof construction;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for a method of installing the drip edge system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an unbent state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.

A drip edge system for a roof of a building serves the purpose of directing water off the roof and away from the building and fascia board. A drip edge may be a planar sheet of plastic or metal inserted between the shingles of the roof and the portion of the roof decking that extends out over the edge of the roof, at the same downward slope of the roof. In this way, water and other debris from the roof is directed away from the building. The drip edge provides a method of protection at this vulnerable junction on the roof and prevents water, through capillary action, from seeping underneath the shingles and the roof deck. The drip edge also protects the fascia board, the overhang, and/or the sidewall of the building from the water runoff. Without a drip edge, the structural elements of this area are prone to deterioration.

Prior art drip edge assemblies are designed to be installed over a decked roof and fascia board. In other words, current practice requires that a drip edge be installed after the fascia board has been attached to the decked roof. However, due to organization and workflow requirements of modern day construction methods, it is typically more beneficial to install the drip edge before the fascia board has been installed. Current practice however does not allow this and presently, when the drip edge installer works without a fascia board in place, he or she must leave a gap between the edge of the decked roof and the inside edge of the overhang portion of the drip edge to allow a fascia board to later be installed. In such cases, the drip edge installer may need to guess what width fascia board will be used, and further may have difficulty maintaining a uniform gap width along the entire length of the drip edge. As such, inconsistent results and guesswork during installation can lead to numerous problems with fit and quality.

Accordingly, a need exists for a novel drip edge system and method that have, among other advantages, the ability to be installed without the fascia board being installed, while maintaining consistent results and offering more efficient installation. Therefore, a drip edge system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is disclosed herein.

The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the drip edge system of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of the drip edge system 2 for use on a building where roof rafters 18 are covered by roof decking 6 and supported by a plurality of upstanding wall studs 20. Drip edge system 2 includes a body portion 4 that is adapted to be disposed adjacent roof deck 6. A first leg 8 is disposed adjacent an end of body portion 4 and extends generally angularly therefrom. A second leg 10 also extends generally angularly from body portion 4 and is offset from first leg 8 such that a fascia board 16 may be received from first leg 8 and the second leg 10 after drip edge 2 has been installed on the roof decking (6).

As shown, body portion 4 is adapted to be disposed adjacent roof deck 6. In this embodiment, body portion 4 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape and a generally planar mounting surface 30. Of course, body portion 4 may have numerous other shapes and configurations, and may comprise a textured, non-textured, or patterned surface. Body portion 4 may be attached to roof deck 6 in any conventional manner, including nails.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein this embodiment includes an overhanging portion 14. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. This overhung portion 14 acts to direct water and/or other debris from the roof structure, and away from the sidewalls of the building structure. Of course this is not meant to be limiting in any manner.

Referring back to FIG. 1, first leg 8 is disposed adjacent a first end 28 of body portion 4 and extends generally angularly from body portion 4. Additionally, one embodiment of drip edge system 2 includes a foot section 26 that extends generally angularly from second end 9 of first leg 8 and again acts to direct water and/or other debris from the roof structure, and away from the sidewalls of the building structure. Of course this too is not meant to be limiting in any manner. The length of first leg 8 may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user and are not limited to a particular range. However, it is general practice in the construction industry to provide a drip edge leg that is, generally, within the range of ½ inch to 4 inches in length.

Second leg 10 is offset from first leg 8 and extends generally angularly from body portion 4. In one preferred embodiment, the direction in which first leg 8 and second leg 10 extend, is generally downwardly from body portion 4. With respect to one another, the position of first leg 8 and second leg 10 may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user. However, in one preferred embodiment, second leg 10 is disposed generally parallel to first leg 8 and forms a channel therebetween of width “W”. Channel width W may vary according to specific requirements. It is general practice in the construction industry to provide a fascia board that is, generally, within the range of ¼ inch to 2 inches, and more typically ½-1 inch. As such, in one preferred embodiment, channel width W ranges from ¼ inch to 2 inches, and more preferably ½-1 inch. The length of second leg 10 may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user and are not limited to a particular range. For example, it may be desired to provide the same length as first leg 8, or it may be desired to provide a length that is equal to or greater than fascia board 16. Of course this too is not meant to be limiting in any manner.

Drip edge system 2 is designed such that, in one preferred embodiment, first end 28 of body portion 4 is disposed on third end 56 of first leg 8. Second leg 10 is offset from first leg 8, and in one embodiment is disposed generally parallel thereto. Body portion 4 is disposed on second leg 10 at connecting joint 54. It is generally known in the art that the slope or pitch of a roof can range from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, or steeper. As such, body portion 4 is angled with respect to second leg 10 at an angle alpha (α) that is generally about the same pitch as the root it is going to be attached to. That is to say that α will range from about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees, or more. Generally speaking, after installation, first leg 8 will be disposed at about the same angle as second leg 10, thereby forming a generally parallel channel of width W. Of course, this may be changed to suit the desired requirements of the end user and this is not meant to be limiting in any manner.

The specific configurations and features of drip edge system 2 may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, body portion 4 is generally rectangular in shape and generally planar, and is fabricated in a one-piece configuration from aluminum. Of course, body portion 4 may have numerous other shapes and configurations, and be textured, non-textured, or patterned. Further, although one preferred embodiment of drip edge system 2 is fabricated from aluminum utilizing a continuously formed extrusion and bending techniques, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, drip edge system 2 may be molded from a plastic material or extruded from other metals. In addition, although this particular embodiment of drip edge system 2 is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various means such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art.

Another embodiment of drip edge system 2A is shown in FIG. 3. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. As in the first embodiment, drip edge system 2A comprises body portion 4A, adapted to be disposed adjacent roof deck 6, and first and second legs 8A, 10A, respectively. First leg 8A is disposed adjacent first end 28A and extends generally angularly therefrom. Second leg 10A extends generally angularly from body portion 4A and is offset from first leg 8A by a distance or width “W”. In this particular embodiment, the manufacturing costs of drip edge system 2A are reduced by utilizing a single piece of generally flat material, and then folding this generally flat material into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. In this manner, no material or parts are required to be connected, affixed or welded in order to achieve the one-piece configuration.

The specific configurations and features of this embodiment of drip edge system 2A may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment drip edge system 2A is fabricated from a generally flat piece of aluminum utilizing various bending techniques. Of course, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, drip edge system 2A may be molded from a plastic material or extruded from other metals. In addition, although this particular embodiment of drip edge system 2A is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various means such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art.

Yet another embodiment of drip edge system 2B is shown in FIG. 4. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. In this embodiment, drip edge system 2B is composed of multiple pieces. The upper body portion 24B is movably positionable in relation to lower body portion 22B, thereby forming a channel width “W” of adjustable width between first leg 8B and second leg 10B. While the adjustable width of channel W may be set at any width necessary for proper installation of a fascia board 16, the width typically required by fascia boards are generally known to be within the range of ¼ inch to 2 inches. In this embodiment, upper body portion 24B and lower body portion 22B may be positioned in relation to one another, either temporarily or permanently, by any available fastening means known in the art.

The specific configurations and features of drip edge system 2B may vary according to specific requirements. Further, although one preferred embodiment of drip edge system 2B is fabricated from aluminum utilizing an adjustable two-piece design, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, drip edge system 2B may be molded from a plastic material or extruded from other metals.

Still another embodiment of a drip edge system 2′ is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. This embodiment includes an overhang portion 14′ that is disposed adjacent first end 28′ of body portion 4′. This overhang portion 14′ extends over fascia board 16, and serves the purpose of, inter alia, assisting the flow of water and debris away from the fascia and building wall.

In yet another embodiment, a drip edge system 2C is shown in FIG. 6. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. The drip edge system of this embodiment, as in other embodiments described, also comprises body portion 4C, first leg 8C and second leg 10C, however one or more of those legs are foldable. For example only, foldable second leg 10C is shown in FIG. 6, wherein second leg 10C is illustrated, in hidden line, in a temporary position with the arrows showing movement from a storage position, wherein second leg 10C is disposed adjacent side 30C of body 4C during stacking, storage, and transportation (not shown), and a final installed position as illustrated. The storage position yields a drip edge system 2C with a more compact stacking configuration. When drip edge system 2C is ready to be installed, second leg 10C is simply unfolded into the installed position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The method by which second leg 10 folds may include any means known in the art, including the use of hinge(s), bends, resilient materials, or any other manner known in the art.

The specific configurations and features of this embodiment of drip edge system 2C may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment drip edge system 2C is fabricated from a generally flat piece of aluminum utilizing various bending techniques. Of course, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, drip edge system 2C may be molded from a plastic material or extruded from other metals. In addition, although this particular embodiment of drip edge system 2C is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various methods such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art. Additionally, the specific configuration and features of foldable second leg 10C may vary according to specific requirements and further; one or both legs (10C, 8C) may be fabricated to have folding abilities, and by any technique well known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating a method for installing the drip edge is provided. Initially, a decked roof is provided (step 34). It is contemplated that the decked roof is provided through typical construction techniques and methods which are well known in the art. Next, drip edge system 2 comprising body portion 4, first leg 8, and second leg 10 is provided (step 36). First leg 8 is disposed adjacent an end of body portion 4 and extends generally angularly from body portion 4. Second leg 10 also extends generally angularly from body portion 4 and is offset from first leg 8 by a distance W. The method of installation includes affixing drip edge 2 adjacent an edge of the decked roof, wherein second leg 10 is disposed adjacent wall studs 20, which may be sheathed according to common practices (step 38). Once drip edge system 2 is affixed, a fascia board 16 is subsequently disposed between first leg 8 and second leg 10 (step 40).

Referring now to FIG. 8, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 5 is shown in an unbent state. That is to say that body portion 4′ is generally perpendicular to legs 8′ and 10′. For example, this may illustrate an “as supplied” or “as manufactured state,” and the installer may simply bend body portion 4′ to the same general angle as the roof it is being applied to has, and then proceed with the installation as described previously. In this manner, a single embodiment may be provided which accommodates numerous roof pitches, including flat roofs. Alternatively, the installer will not bend body portion 4′ and will simply install drip edge 2′ on the roof. In this way, when installed on an angled roof, leg 8′ will tend to be biased against the fascia and thereby ensure a better “seal.”

The installation of the drip edge system of the present invention does not necessarily have a linear sequence of events. It is also to be understood that various modifications may be made to the drip edge system, its sequences, methods, orientations, and the like without departing from the inventive concept and that the description contained herein is merely a preferred embodiment and hence, not meant to be limiting unless stated otherwise.

The specific configurations and features of drip edge system 2 may vary according to specific requirements. In a preferred embodiment, body portion 4 is generally rectangular in shape and is fabricated from aluminum. However, the shape and length of first leg 8 and second leg 10 may vary according to specific requirements, and need not be rectangular in configuration. Further, although one preferred embodiment of drip edge 2 is fabricated from aluminum, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques may be used. For example, drip edge 2 may be molded from a plastic material. Additionally, while one embodiment shows drip edge system 2 as having a particular angle (α), the angle can be adjusted according to specific requirements due to the spacing width “W”, or the semi-flexible or malleable nature of the materials used to fabricate drip edge 2. In addition, single-piece or multiple-piece configurations can be utilized, and assembled by various methods, such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art.

Advantageously, the drip edge system 2 of the present invention is efficiently fabricated, and elegantly designed for quick and efficient installation. The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel drip edge system that can be efficiently and properly installed without a fascia board in place. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 

1. A drip edge system for a roof comprising: a body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent a roof deck; a first leg and a second leg; wherein the first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally angularly therefrom; and wherein further, the second leg extends generally angularly from the body portion and is offset from the first leg, such that a fascia board may be received between the first leg and the second leg.
 2. A drip edge system of claim 1, wherein the drip edge system is continuously formed.
 3. A drip edge system of claim 1, wherein the second leg is positionable in relation to the first leg.
 4. A drip edge system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises multiple pieces.
 5. A drip edge system of claim 4, wherein the multiple pieces are adapted to be movably positioned in relation to one another, thereby forming a channel of adjustable width between the first leg and the second leg.
 6. A drip edge system of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first leg and the second leg is between about ¼ inch to 2 inches.
 7. A drip edge system of claim 1, wherein one or more legs are foldable.
 8. A drip edge system for a roof comprising: a body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent a roof deck; a first leg and a second leg; wherein the first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally downwardly therefrom; and wherein further, the second leg extends generally downwardly from the body portion, and is offset from the first leg by a distance sufficient to receive a fascia board therebetween.
 9. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the drip edge system is continuously formed.
 10. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the second leg is positionable in relation to the first leg.
 11. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the system comprises multiple pieces.
 12. A drip edge system of claim 11, wherein the multiple pieces are adapted to be movably positioned in relation to one another, thereby forming a channel of adjustable width between the first leg and the second leg.
 13. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the distance between the first leg and the second leg is between about ¼ inch to 2 inches.
 14. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein one or more legs are foldable.
 15. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the second leg is disposed generally parallel to the first leg.
 16. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the drip edge system further comprises an overhang portion that is disposed adjacent the body portion and extends therefrom.
 17. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the drip edge system further comprises a foot section that extends generally angularly from the first leg.
 18. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the drip edge system is composed of aluminum.
 19. A drip edge system of claim 8, wherein the drip edge system is composed of plastic.
 20. A method of installing a drip edge system comprising: providing a decked roof; providing a drip edge system comprising: a body portion adapted to be disposed adjacent a decked roof; a first leg and a second leg; wherein the first leg is disposed adjacent an end of the body portion and extends generally angularly therefrom; wherein further, the second leg extends generally angularly from the body portion and is offset from the first leg by a distance sufficient to receive a fascia board therebetween; and affixing the drip edge system to the roof, wherein the second leg is disposed adjacent an edge of the decked roof, wherein a fascia board may be disposed between the first leg and the second leg. 